The World Economic Forum on Africa 2014 took place in Abuja, Nigeria, between 7-9 May. This event gathered around 1000 global and regional leaders, including Heads of State and Government, policy-makers and top leaders from several global companies from over 80 countries.

The event took place at a time when Nigeria has officially become the continent's leading economy, in result of a GDP rebasing aimed at providing a truer image of the country's economy. The fact that Abuja was the chosen location also reflects Nigeria's growing attraction to international investors.

According to International Monetary Fund projections, Africa's growth trajectory will remain above 5% and West Africa will be the fastest growing sub-region, representing, according to the World Economic Forum, "the continent's largest business opportunity", where Nigeria has a central role. With a population of 170 million people, the country is one of the most quickly developing economies in the world and its GDP has grown annually between 6 and 8% in recent years.

The President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, opened the forum and during a session on Partnering for Prosperity stated that Africa is open for foreign direct investment. "The African market is huge and less competitive for big foreign investors and that is why African leaders are asking for less aid and more investments", the President explained.

Li Keqiang, Premier of the People's Republic of China, was also on the opening session of the forum. The Chinese Premier announced that China will direct more financial assistance to the African continent and, especially, expand cooperation in what regards infrastructure construction.